---
description: Compare FreshBooks vs Shift4 for South African businesses. GetApp provides a side-by-side comparison with details on software price, features and reviews.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/getapp/og_logo-94fd2a03a6c7a0e54fc0c9e21a1c0ce9.png
title: Compare FreshBooks vs Shift4 | GetApp South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Payroll Software](/directory/259/payroll/software) > [FreshBooks \<span\>vs\</span\> Shift4](https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/8290/2050149/freshbooks/vs/shift4-payments)

# Compare FreshBooks vs Shift4

Canonical: https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/8290/2050149/freshbooks/vs/shift4-payments

> Detailed comparison between FreshBooks and Shift4. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | FreshBooks | Shift4 |
| **Overall rating** | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 4521 | 114 |
| **Starting Price** | R68,00 | - |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | No |
| **Free Version** | No | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat | 24/7 (Live rep) |
| **Training** | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos | - |

## Key features

### FreshBooks

- Accounting
- Accounts Payable
- Client Management
- Cost Database
- Data Security
- Hourly Billing
- Mobile Payments
- Multi-Currency
- Online Invoicing
- Online Payments
- Partial Payments
- Project Management
- Project Planning
- Proposal Generation
- Receipt Management
- Recurring/Subscription Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Status Tracking
- Timesheet Management

### Shift4

- Data Security
- Mobile Payments
- Multi-Currency
- Online Payments
- Partial Payments
- Receipt Management
- Recurring/Subscription Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Transaction Monitoring

## Links

- [View FreshBooks Profile](https://www.getapp.za.com/software/8290/freshbooks)
- [View Shift4 Profile](https://www.getapp.za.com/software/2050149/shift4-payments)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/8290/2050149/freshbooks/vs/shift4-payments)

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